Flat design is becoming popular:
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/23/the-flattening-of-design/
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/23/the-flattening-of-design/
In some respects, flat graphics can be seen as a nod back to early print, specifically Russian propaganda war posters. At the time, before computers — yes, there was such an era — designers were forced to create flat images because of printing constraints. Now it seems to be happening again, but with screens.
When today’s graphics are too busy — layered with gradients and elaborate typography — people are forced to try to navigate a clutter of information in a very small space. On a smartphone screen, for example, a flat icon of a musical note can tell a story much quicker than an intricate picture of a shiny sparkling CD.
“It’s that whole notion of ornamental decoration with excess baggage, which the Modernists wanted no part of because it wasn’t a pure design,” Mr. Heller said, noting that he calls overly ornate typography and design the Cult of the Squiggly. “It’s clear if you put too many things on a page you’re going to cause a distraction. In a small screen environment, you can’t do that either. You can’t afford distractions.”